Tuesday, October 30, 2007

He is doing so well -- doctors call him an "overachiever"


The threesome just left for Laquardia and I just walked back from the hotel to the Ronald-- with hopes of showering and possibly taking a nap!! But Jeff just called and Grier is off the ventilator and he needs his lightning McQueen PJ pants!! Oh my-- what a request! I am off to walk back to NY-Pres to drop those off- and the gray cat!

I have gotten a ton of emails but just can't answer them all-- so I am going to update some questions on this blog later-- after I sleep and eat lunch!

So far so good in PICU-- nurses are great and I hope we stay there at least 3 days-- before we go by ambulance back to Memorial! The next several days will be really tough-- we will be trying to manage pain from this LARGE incision -- have not seen it under the bandage but when I do a chair will be close by!! It must have taken the surgeon over an hour to close him up-- The tumor was removed and it was wrapped around the aorta, diaphragm,lower spine,-- lymph nodes were removed -- Also biopsies were taken of the liver- Actual surgery was 12-9-- start to finish- After the consent was signed for the neurosurgeon -- the surgeon went back in and took a second look for more NB that could be hiding-- he said he removed some nodes the during the second look- That is why we came here-- He is meticulous-

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amy, so glad to know that the surgery went well. It sounds like you are at the right place and that Grier is in good hands. It made me laugh to hear that Grier asked for his favorite pj's. Thomas refuses to sleep in anything but his Spiderman pj's so I can relate! Please know we are checking the blog constantly and sending our prayers to New York in hopes of a speedy recovery for Grier. The Beyers

Anonymous said...

Amy,

Meticulous is certainly what you want...nothing less than perfection will do! I did laugh out loud re: the pajama request. I think is a VERY positive sign. So very hopeful that all continues to go well, especially the pain management. You had better have a chair UNDER you when you see the incision...possibly a disposable bag of some sort as well.

Sounds like Maggie and the children had time for a good visit with Grier before they left. Not to worry, everyone here in Charlotte is on "stand by" for their return.

Keeping Grier in the forefront of our minds and so hopeful that his recovery is one that amazes everyone...he is quite an awesome little boy! Get a shower and some rest, same to Jeff, and enjoy Grier to the fullest.

Side note...Mitch keeps stopping and praying out loud for Grier as he looks up to God. He loves his dear friend...as do we all!

Love and Prayers...
Dina

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy and Jeff,
Awesome news!!!! Can't believe he is off the ventilator and making requests already! Love to you all and prayers for good pain relief for Grier and sleep and showers for you and Jeff!!
Isabel :+}

Anonymous said...

You may need to get some back-up pairs of those pajamas. That's great that Grier can ask for something that helps him feel a bit more comfortable. We're so happy that all the updates have been so encouraging. Maxine has figured out how to bring up the blog on my cell phone so we can always check. We'll be looking for more good news. Lots of love to all of you .
The Todds

Mary Ellen Paine said...

Thank you for all your updates. We are thinking of you non stop and our prayers are going strong.
Hope can get some rest. I think it is a good sign that Grier wanted his p.j's. Elizabeth always liked her ninja turtle ones. I am sure she would love that I blogged that.
Keep your chin up and remember we all love you guys.
Love,
The Paine's

Anonymous said...

Amy, I just want to hop on a plane and be with you!! Did giggle at the request for pj's. He is so smart. Shower, rest,eat and sip on a little vino if at all possible. Thinking about you, but you know that! Victoria

Anonymous said...

Amy,

Hello. We met in Charlotte at the hospital there. I am Isabella Santos' aunt. Just wanted you to know I've been thinking of you guys and Grier often and am glad his surgery went well. I'll be checking your updates whenever I can.

I am hoping for a safe and speedy recovery for Grier!

Anonymous said...

I laughed out loud and gave a cheer in my room all by myself today when I read that Grier wanted the L. McQueen pjs!! So glad to hear of Dr. LaQ's meticulous surgery -- only the absolute best for Grier! Sounds like things are coming along as well as can be expected and pray he is improving minute by minute. You are right that it will be a long road, but love, support, and prayers all along that road, no matter how long, are non-stop.

You and Jeff take care of yourselves as best you can -- you're only as good for Grier as you are for yourself! Hayes and Grace will be taken care of here by Maggie, the ETES staff, the Cov people, and everyone who loves your family.

Peace be with you tonight as you settle into recovery. God is there to take care of Grier -- hundreds have put Him on alert for Grier and all the Christenburys!

Love and prayers continue from Charlotte to PICU/NYC!

Betty G

Mitzi and Chris said...

Amy and Jeff,
You and Grier have been on our minds constantly for the last several days. So glad the operation is over and that things went well. Thanks for your continuous updates. They are so informative and uplifting.
You continue to be in our prayers.
With our love to all of you.
Mitzi and Chris

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear from Grier today. I know you all are feeling excited and blessed and TIRED. We contuinue to remember each of you and especially little Grier. Take a moment for yourself...this has to be so draining on you. God Bless You and we continue to remember you in our prayers.
Sandra Eubanks

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear from Grier today. I know you all are feeling excited and blessed and TIRED. We contuinue to remember each of you and especially little Grier. Take a moment for yourself...this has to be so draining on you. God Bless You and we continue to remember you in our prayers.
Sandra Eubanks

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear from Grier today. I know you all are feeling excited and blessed and TIRED. We contuinue to remember each of you and especially little Grier. Take a moment for yourself...this has to be so draining on you. God Bless You and we continue to remember you in our prayers.
Sandra Eubanks

Anonymous said...

Only Grier would come out of such a major surgery and start talking that quickly and ask for his favorite pj's! I LOVE IT!

Cody and I prayed in the car at a red light today on the way to preschool. He asked if we could so there at Randolph and Sharon Amity we were lifting Grier up!

We will lift you all up as long as it takes!

Love
Jon, Anne and Cody

Anonymous said...

Hey....simply amazing, and again what an answer to prayer!
I am amazed that he came off the ventilator so quickly after such a long surgery. Sounds like the surgeon was extra cautious...how reassuring that is!

We Blantons are without heat and are having an entire new system put in...so while without heat, we are all piled in our room with space heaters. The kids are having a blast, and think they are at camp or something. Anyhoo....I heard some talking early this am and Charles jr. was talking in the kitchen....I asked him who he was talking to?...and he said "God...Mom, it's my shift to pray for Grier, reeemmemmberrr!!"

Wow...the impact your precious Grier has had on all of our children and the importance it has taught them about prayer. Thank you.

Hope he has a restful night with little pain and comfort with his nurse and 'bedroom' for the next couple of nights! Sending love to all of you~

Hannah

GO STEEL FAB!

GO STEEL FAB!

Go Grier Go Magnets are Here!

Go Grier Go Magnets are Here!

Grier's address in NYC

Grier Christenbury
Ronald McDonald House of New York

405 East 73rd Street

New York, NY 10021

Before 3F8

Before 3F8

After 3F8

After 3F8
30 minutes later

Free Money for Go Grier Go!.. just by shopping online!!

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Grier leaving NY-pres and going back to MSKCC

Grier leaving NY-pres and going back to MSKCC
www.cornellpediatrics.org-- Great hospital!

Grier going for a ride in the ambulance across the street

Grier going for a ride in the ambulance across the street
just transporting-- not an emergency!

Grier patiently waiting surgery to remove tumor

Grier patiently waiting surgery to remove tumor
Monday 10/29/07

Go Grier Go Picnic in the Park

Go Grier Go Picnic in the Park
Thanks to everyone that helped!!!

On the way to NYC!

On the way to NYC!

Grier at the "new" clinic at CMC

Grier at the "new" clinic at CMC
Playing with the doctors and nurses 10/19/07

Some of our team at the Hopebuilders 5k

Some of our team at the Hopebuilders 5k

HOPE IS GOOD!!

HOPE IS GOOD!!

Supersib- GRACE

Supersib- GRACE

SuperSib-- HAYES

Grier and his Wonder Pets fly boat cake!

Grier and his Wonder Pets fly boat cake!
I am 3!

Grier & Grace at Covenant

Grier & Grace at Covenant

Grier & Pat

Grier & Pat

Go Grier Go!

Go Grier Go!




Jack and Charlie wearing Go Grier Go T's

Jack and Charlie wearing Go Grier Go T's